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Did the Apostle Paul Write the Book of Colossians?

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INTRODUCTORY ISSUES There are many introduction issues pertaining to Colossians authorship. Along with arguments and issues there are a few debates and questioning pertaining to the date, location, and the occasion, but overall all agree. Many scholars have come to the conclusion that Paul indeed is the author of Colossians, but there are some debates and questioning. There are two main arguments that deal with the authorship of the epistle. There is much debate on the literary usage in Colossians and the style in which it is written. Along with the vocabulary and style many argue with the theology behind the epistle as well. An example for concerning the argument towards the style is found in Colossians 1:27 where the unusual genitival words are used. Donald Guthrie does argue however that, “stylistic differences are generally attributable to changing circumstances or subject matter” (Guthrie 553). With arguing that Colossians is not written by Paul then Ephesians should also be questioned. It is said that either Ephesians is dependent on Colossians or Colossians is dependent on Ephesians. Guthrie also claims that, ““The strongest arguments in support of its authenticity are the indisputable nature of the external evidence and the inseparable connection of the epistle with Philemon” (Guthrie). There are also arguments that claim that the heresy in Colossians is second century Gnosticism. Despite all of the arguments it is evident that Paul is the author and evidence of this is shown in Colossians 1:1, 1:23, 4:18 where he speaks of himself in first person. There is evidence that Tychicus is the carrier of both Ephesians and Colossians. Not only does Paul refer to himself like he does in all of the epistles, but Colossians... ... middle of paper ... ...our concern on the eternal, not the temporal” (Geisler 680) Paul knew that a believer can simply not always set their minds on the things above, but as a believer in Christ it is an obligation to do so. Work Cited "Colossians." NIV Quest Study Bible. London: NIV, 2003. N. pag. Print. Wallace, Daniel B. "Colossians: Introduction, Argument, Outline." Bible.org. N.p., 28 June 2004. Web. 08 May 2014. Walvoord, John F., Roy B. Zuck, and Norman L. Geisler. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1983. Print. Walvoord, John F., Roy B. Zuck, and Harnold W. Hoehner. "Colossians." The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1983. 613-45. Print. Wommack, Andrew. "Home - Andrew Wommack Ministries." Home - Andrew Wommack Ministries Commentary- Colossians. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2014.
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